Large Animal Topics

Text Size

Umbilical Masses / Hernias in Calves

The term "ACVS Diplomate" refers to a veterinarian who has been board certified in veterinary surgery. Only veterinarians who have successfully completed the certification requirements of the ACVS are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and have earned the right to be called specialists in veterinary surgery.

Your ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeon completed a three-year residency program, met specific training and caseload requirements, performed research and had research published. This process was supervised by ACVS Diplomates, ensuring consistency in training and adherence to high standards. After completing the residency program, the individual passed a rigorous examination. Only then did your veterinary surgeon earn the title of ACVS Diplomate.

Overview:

The umbilicus in newborn calves consists of the urachus, a tube that connects the fetal bladder to the placental sac, and the remnants of the umbilical vessels that transported blood between the fetus and its mother. Normally, just after birth, these structures shrink until only tiny remnants remain within the abdomen. If bacteria gain entry through the umbilicus, however, those remnants can become infected and require surgical removal. Additionally, if the area in the body wall through which these structures passed remains open, the intestines can protrude through the defect, resulting in an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias are the most common birth defect in calves and may be more common in the Holstein-Friesian breed.

Signs and Symptoms:

Calves with simple hernias may seem completely normal except for a reducible umbilical hernia (where the hernia contents can be easily pushed back into the abdomen). Calves with infected hernias may be sick and show signs such as fever, inappetence, and poor growth rates.

If the umbilical vessel remnants are involved you may see frequent urination in small amounts and urination through the umbilicus. Infection of the umbilical vein can spread to the liver, causing fever, and poor growth rates.

Diagnostics:

Calves are physically examined to try to reduce the hernia contents. In some instances, it is possible to palpate an infected stalk within the hernia sac or around the umbilicus (Figure 1). Sedation may be required to place the calf on their back or side to better feel these structures.

Ultrasound examination is useful in determining whether there is any infection present and how extensive it is.

Laboratory work such as white blood cell counts or fluid collection from the mass for a bacterial culture can also be useful detecting infection.

Treatment:

Routine hernias can be repaired in the field, but those with extensive infection are best repaired by an experienced ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeon at a referral hospital where general anesthesia is available. Surgical repair is the treatment of choice. Surgery can occasionally perform under sedation with local nerve blocks, but general anesthesia is preferred. The umbilicus and its associated structures and all infected tissue are removed. When the infection extends all the way to the bladder, a portion of the bladder wall may need to be removed. If a large abscess is present it may have to be drained before surgery can be done (Figure 2).

Aftercare and Outcome:

For simple hernia repairs antibiotics are often given only at the time of surgery. However, if there is an extensive infection, a longer course of antibiotics may be necessary. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are useful for reducing pain but should be used cautiously since they can cause abomasal (stomach) ulcers if given too long. After surgery, the calf should be slowly re-introduced to feed and confined, to some extent, to prevent tension on the surgical repair.

Prognosis is favorable for recovery, especially for simple hernias or minor infections. Calves that have infected umbilical vein remnants extending towards the liver are at an increased risk of peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity) and therefore have a poorer prognosis.

This Animal Health Topic was written by and reviewed by Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Any opinions stated in this article are not necessarily the official position of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons recommends contacting an ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeon or your general veterinarian for more information about this topic.

Your feedback helps us make the Animal Health topics serve you better. Please note that submissions to this form are not monitored by a board-certified surgeon. For questions about your animal's specific condition, please contact an ACVS board-certified surgeon in your area.